| Contents |
An introduction to mariachi culture. Issues for reflection. Personal perspectives from the author ; The purpose of this book -- The modern mariachi sound. Modern mariachi. Before "mariachi", 1519-1852 ; The mariachi emerges -- Mariachi: the musical group. The modern mariachi takes shape ; Instruments of the modern mariachi (The vihuela ; The guitarron ; The harp) ; Musical forms ; Poetic forms (The copla ; The seguidilla ; The son) ; Other genres (The cancion ranchera ; The bolero ranchero ; The huapango ; The polka) -- The social life of mariachi music. The social dimension. Nati Cano's dream ; The birth of La Fonda ; Social dimensions of mariachi meaning (Jose Hernandez's motivation) -- The value of tradition -- Women in the mariachi. Rebecca Gonzales: opening the way for women in the mariachi ; Laura Sobrino: the challenge of change -- Mariachi economy: Al Talon, chambas, plantas, shows, and la mariachada. Mariachi as a product and a profession -- The expanding mariachi market -- Performance settings. Al Talon ; Chambas (Serenata) ; Plantas ; Shows ; La mariachada -- Viva el mariachi! Tacos with ketchup or salsa? The challenge of change. The threads of change. Social threads (Mariachi in schools) ; Mariachi festivals -- Social movements. Chicano movimiento ; Women's liberation movement -- Conclusion: the challenge of change, the future -- Glossary. |
| Abstract |
This unique volume provides an accessible introduction to the social, cultural, and economic conditions surrounding mariachi music in the United States. Large immigrations of Mexicans to the U.S., the power of the international recording industry, and the fluid travel of mariachi musicians between the two countries have resulted in a strong base of musical continuity across the political border. Drawing on thirty-five years of personal performance experience and on interviews with leading mariachi musicians, the author offers first-hand perspectives on the music's stylistic cornerstones, aesthetic standards, social standing, and economic life. He explains how mariachi music is simultaneously a folk music rooted in more than 150 years of tradition, a commodity governed by market considerations, and a dynamic course of activity that has been shaped and expanded by musical innovation and social meaning. The book focuses on the rising popularity of mariachi music amongst Mexican Americans--over the last twenty-five years, numerous mariachi festivals have become annual events in the U.S., a multitude of workshops and school programs have been developed, and more women have become involved in public mariachi performances. This book is a captivating study that will interest students, aspiring performers, teachers, and aficionados alike. Enhanced by vivid photos and illustrations and first-hand accounts of musicians, organizers, and audiences, this book is packaged with a 50-minute CD containing examples of the music discussed in the book. It also features guided listening and hands-on activities that encourage readers to engage actively and critically with the music. |
